Jordan Benjamin plays Dom in the world premiere of new British musical, The Little Big Things, based on the Sunday Times best-selling inspirational memoir by Henry Fraser.
The Little Big Things has music by Nick Butcher, lyrics by Nick Butcher and Tom Ling and a book by Joe White. Following his Olivier Award winning and Tony nominated production of & Juliet, and Fringe to West End hit, My Son’s a Queer, Luke Sheppard directs The Little Big Things.
The Little Big Things, starring Jordan Benjamin, is currently running at @sohoplace until 25 November 2023.
You’re appearing in The Little Big Things, what can you tell us about this new musical?
The Little Big Things is no tragedy! While it is true that we portray the story of Henry Fraser, who whilst on holiday has an accident that forever changes his life, this musical is not a tragedy! This musical is a comedy, a drama, a romance, a statement, a message of hope, a story that answers the questions society says we shouldn’t ask, one that you can’t help but fall in love with, as I have many many times over and still am!
What was it about this inspirational story that made you so keen to be a part of it?
We’ve all had lows, ones that make us wanna just give up, but here’s a man who said despite what has happened to me, despite the fact that I could give up and no-one would blame me, despite the fact everything inside me doesn’t wanna have to deal with this, despite what I may feel like I’m putting my family through, I’m gonna write my own story, I’m gonna write my own tagline and believe that “Every day’s a good day”! Henry’s choice to take charge of his future, made my choice to join this musical so easy.
How would you describe the music in The Little Big Things?
The music is the heartbeat of the show, it’s contemporary and new, giving us songs that could all be charting singles, and believe me when I say you feel the music’s energy moving through your whole body, I don’t know how audience members are able to sit still at times.
You play Dom, tell us a little more about the character and what you’re enjoying most about the role?
Dom is a such a fun character, he’s the classic little brother who lives for the chaos and gets away with it because you all love him. But also what’s nice is that Dom goes on a real emotional journey, which I feel you don’t get a lot with male characters in theatre, but you are able to see Dom in some of his most vulnerable states, breaking down toxic masculinity rules that tell men that emotion is weakness and we must never be weak, Dom’s best moments are when he confronts his emotions and that’s what I love about the character.
And what do you think will be the biggest challenge?
We’ve become an incredibly tight unit as a cast, and seen as the main theme of our show is family, this makes our family dynamics really genuine; so I think the biggest challenge will be maintaining that, especially now we have started shows and have dispersed back into our own lives and routines a bit. However, I have no doubt that we’ll make it work, this bunch of people are incredible, I don’t think I’ve ever gelled well with a cast so quickly before, and there’s no way they’re getting rid of me anytime soon!
What’s it been like for you as an actor working with director, Luke Sheppard, on a brand new musical for London?
Luke Sheppard is nothing short of a genius, to put it simply, he is utterly brilliant! When I watch him work, it seems like he can see things that no-one else can see, must be the glasses! What I love most about working with Luke though is his ability to create a safe environment, we feel so comfortable and confident in the rehearsal space to make offers and make mistakes because Luke has made our rehearsal space a place where creativity and sensitivity thrives!
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see The Little Big Things?
If you are debating whether or not to come to the show, I set you a task first, just google Henry Fraser, just read about his story, see his incredible artwork, and his story will inspire you all by itself! Then consider the beauty of his story being turned into a musical with incredible songs that send chills through your body! If that’s not enough, we have Linzi Hately in the cast!! so book your tickets NOW!!
